The family of a hillwalker who has been missing near Glencoe for more than a week say they are "desperate for his safe return".

Edward Davies, 39, is believed to have gone hiking on the 3261ft Munro Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh on May 8.

The alarm was raised three days later when he failed to return and an extensive search was launched.

The Glencoe, Oban, Lochaber and RAF mountain rescue teams continued the operation over the weekend, joined by police search dogs and a UK coastguard helicopter.

His family have now released a statement through Police Scotland saying it is a "critical" time to find Mr Davies. They say they still have every hope of finding him alive.

The statement said: "Our brother Ed intended to climb Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh on Sunday, May 8. We know he was very likely to be in this area or the area of Ben Finlay during the day, potentially early in the morning.

"Ed is in his late 30s, slim with dark hair and would've been wearing a blue RAB waterproof jacket, a T-shirt or green Buffalo fleece. The last known sighting of Ed is on the evening of Saturday, May 7, at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe.

"This is a critical time for Edward. He is very likely to have a small dark grey or green one-man tent with him for emergencies and supplies adequate to last several days."

The statement added: "Edward is physically capable and an experienced hillwalker. He is also a wildlife enthusiast who may have been drawn to particular nature spots beyond the area.

"The weather on the Sunday and through the week has been excellent so we still have every hope we can find Edward alive.

"We love Edward very much and are all desperate for his safe return. We would urge anyone who was walking in the area weekend of May 7 or 8 or since to think back with these details in mind and consider any potential sightings of Ed or anything that may assist the search effort.

"Ed's friends and family wish to thank everyone involved in the search so far especially Police and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Their support and determination has been overwhelming."

Anyone with information that may assist the search effort has been urged to contact police on 101.